Teen hit by Virginia State Police car: It was a mistake

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) -

A professional skateboarder's tweet has placed a major spotlight on the Virginia State Police.

Tony Hawk tweeted out video that seems to show a Virginia State Police car slamming into a young skateboarder near VCU's campus. But, does the video really tell the whole story? We spoke to the teen at the center of the ordeal.

"I really didn't know what to think," said Tim Crawford. "I was like, is he angry about us skateboarding and he's just going wild or something?"

Tim walked away with just a scratch and is now back showing off his tricks. The incident happened months ago, but the video went viral Wednesday afternoon. Professional skateboarder Tony Hawk tweeted out the video.

"All I remember is being back up on my feet," said Tim who recalls eating a bagel at the time. "It was pretty quick. I still had the bagel. I didn't drop it ever."

It is fair to say Tim and his friends are taking it all in stride.

"It's like a mistake," said Tim. "It happens. I'm alright with that."

"It's funny. It's entertainment," said Max Mattoon who shot the video. "But at the same time, it's saying that cops make mistakes too."

Both state police and Tim agree the video doesn't show everything. It is edited.

"I don't really remember getting an apology," said Tim. "But he was concerned about my safety."

"The trooper did stop at the scene and followed proper Departmental procedures," said State Police in a written statement.

"Yes," said Mattoon. "It was a freak accident, and I got it on film. I'm lucky I did."

Tim says Virginia State Police offered to help.

"They paid for the medical bill," said Tim. "That's all we can really ask for I imagine. Maybe they could have been a little more apologetic."

The following is the full statement from Virginia State Police:

"State police is aware of this edited video as this incident occurred approximately nine months ago in the City of Richmond near the VCU campus. This is not the full length video. Virginia State Police has seen the full video and investigated the crash following Department policy and procedures. The trooper did stop at the scene and followed proper Departmental procedures. The individual was assessed at the scene by emergency personnel for a minor injury but was not transported from the scene to the hospital.

This is a personnel matter and state police does not have further comment on this incident."